Carlsberg returns to UEFA national team competition sponsorship
March 21 – After a break of nine years, UEFA has resigned Carlsberg as an official global sponsor of UEFA men’s and women’s national team football through 2030.
Gold Cup 2025
Rampaging Canada tear Honduras apart
Canada 5 Honduras 0
June 17 – Canada over the past six years have forced their way into Concacaf’s elite but have so often flattered to deceive. They are the team everyone quite likes but have never delivered the championship title their talent screams for. Re-adjust everyone.
Palestine calls on FIFA to fulfil its human rights commitments in statutes
March 21 – Palestine wants FIFA to expedite its investigation into Israeli settlement clubs operating in the West Bank with a view to the organisation’s Council making a final decision.
Canadian league launches ‘Made in Canada’ campaign
March 21 – As political tensions between Canada and the United States escalate following controversial remarks from former US president Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) has launched a national branding campaign titled ‘Made in Canada’, emphasising homegrown talent and self-sufficiency in football development.
Japan are first qualifiers for 2026 World Cup and an 8th consecutive finals
March 21 – With goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo in a 2-0 victory against Bahrain, Japan became the first country to qualify for the enlarged 48-team 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Chelsea top ranking of clubs with players on longest contracts
March 21 – Chelsea’s strategy of locking down their players on long-term contracts is paying off in terms of squad stability, but it might come back to bite them as their financial commitments continue to grow. According to the latest study from CIES Football Observatory, a staggering 91.8% of Chelsea’s current squad is contracted until at least 2026, securing their place at the top of the table for ‘minutes secured’ across 37 global leagues.
Validsign’s John Lagemen pulls out of Ado Den Haag acquisition
March 21 – Dutch club Ado Den Haag have confirmed that the proposed acquisition by businessman John Lageman has been called off.
Marriott Bonvoy books in for long term stay at Kai Tak Sports Park
March 21 – Marriott Bonvoy has been unveiled as the latest heavyweight partner of Hong Kong’s soon-to-be-opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), in a multi-year deal that positions the global hotel group at the heart of Asia’s newest sports and entertainment hub.
Canada to host 4-team friendly tournament as part of Gold Cup prep
March 21 – Canada have announced they are hosting a four-team friendly tournament this June at Toronto’s BMO Field. Played as two doubleheaders on June 7 and June 10, matches will complete four days before the Gold Cup kicks off.
Panama stun USA in added time to rewrite the Hollywood Park script
March 21 – With a goal in the fourth minute of added time Panama derailed the USA’s expectations of a ‘fourpeat’ Nations league win with a goal by supersub Cecilio Waterman in the fourth minute of added time.
Concacaf bets on sports data commercial boost
March 21 – Concacaf has inked a multi-year deal with Sports AI and data heavyweight Stats Perform, as the confederation looks to capitalise on the soaring value of sports data and betting content to grow its bottom line.
Fiji seek to upset favourites New Zealand in Oceania World Cup qualifier
March 20 – New Zealand will be sky-high favourites to clinch Oceania’s 2026 World Cup ticket, but in the final round of qualifiers other contenders can secure a playoff berth.
Toronto accused of ‘scalping’ 2026 World Cup hospitality tickets
March 20 – In a bizarre proposal, the Canadian host city of Toronto is considering spending $10.7million on hospitality tickets for the 2026 World Cup with the aim of reselling them at higher prices.
UEFA cracks down on Olimpija Ljubljana and Anderlecht for fan misconduct
March 20 – UEFA has come down hard on NK Olimpija Ljubljana and RSC Anderlecht in the wake of a collection of serious fan misconduct incidents in recent European fixtures.
Four convicted by Dutch authorities following violence against Israelis
March 20 – Dutch authorities have convicted four more men for their part in November’s violence against Israeli fans that sparked accusations of anti-Semitism.
ECA looks to reinforce EU links following Executive Committee and Board meetings
March 20 – European Club Association (ECA) has concluded its first Executive Committee and Board Meetings of the year and reinforced its commitment to strengthening ties with key European Union (EU) institutions.